South Khorasan province has emerged as a key gateway in Iran’s trade with Afghanistan, with a significant share of Iranian exports to its eastern neighbor transiting through the province’s borders, the head of the Birjand Chamber of Commerce said.
Alireza Khamehzar, chairman of the Birjand Chamber of Commerce, said a large volume of goods exported from South Khorasan is destined for the Afghan market, adding that an important portion of Iran’s total exports to Afghanistan is transported through the province’s border crossings.
He said South Khorasan has secured a “respectable position” in supplying the needs of the Afghan market, underscoring the province’s growing importance in bilateral trade.
Khamehzar noted that regional developments and restrictions on some of Afghanistan’s trade routes have drawn Kabul’s attention more strongly toward the Iranian market. He described the situation as a major economic opportunity for Iran, particularly for South Khorasan, which shares a long border with Afghanistan.
He said that in trade, three factors – speed, accuracy and cost reduction – are decisive. Improving infrastructure, including transport and border facilities, could significantly reduce shipping times and enhance the competitiveness of exports from South Khorasan.